There is a lot of pressure on the Chicago White Sox to dramatically alter their trajectory and culture in MLB free agency this winter. Fans' expectations are low after the way the last couple seasons have shaped out, and this latest signing is not going to immediately win them over. Though, it could offer some pitching depth and sneaky upside.

The White Sox and Erick Fedde are agreeing to a two-year, $15 million contract, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan. The right-hander has a 5.41 lifetime ERA and struggled mightily with the Washington Nationals in 2022, but he is looking for MLB redemption after posting a dominant 2023 campaign in South Korea.

Fedde was 20-6 with a 2.00 ERA and a 0.95 WHIP in 30 starts for the KBO League's NC Dinos. He won MVP honors, their version of the Cy Young (Choi-Dong-won Award) and achieved the Pitching Triple Crown in what was a season no foreign pitcher has ever enjoyed before in Korea.

The 30-year-old's recent international success obviously does not guarantee a triumphant return to The Show, but he as undeniably earned this second chance. The White Sox are ideally undergoing their own fresh start, so perhaps this is a perfect union.

Chicago won 93 games and earned their first divisional title in over a decade in 2021. Since then, the franchise has considerably declined, absolutely plummeting in 2023 (61-101). The American League Central seems to be in a constant state of flux, however, which means that a quick turnaround is actually possible.

Much more will have to be done in MLB free agency to ensure that happens, but Erick Fedde could be a welcome feel-good story the White Sox desperately need in 2024.